Bagger for stand-on mower

ABSTRACT

A bagger attachment for use with a stand-on lawn mower. The bagger includes, in some embodiments, an impeller, a duct, and one or more bags which are covered by a hood. The hood is attached to a pivot frame that allows movement of the hood between open and closed positions. The bagger attachment may also include a frame assembly that facilitates mounting and removal of the bagger attachment from the mower. The bagger attachment may either contain removable bags, or may include a discharge door for dumping the clippings.

RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/382,510, filed Sep. 1, 2016, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a side-mounted baggingapparatus and a mounting assembly for removably attaching the baggingapparatus to a lawn mower. More particularly, embodiments of the presentdisclosure relate to a removable bagger for a stand-on mower.

BACKGROUND

Landscape contractors and homeowners often remove grass clippings and/orleaves from their lawns in order to achieve an attractive, healthy, andwell-manicured landscape. Clippings are generated with each mowingsession, and the volume of clippings may be compounded by infrequentmowing. If the clippings are not removed promptly, they may mat down andprevent light from reaching the underlying grass. As a result, clippingsare often collected in a receptacle referred to as a grass “catcher” or“bagger.”

Commercial crews strive to complete lawn maintenance chores in a quickand efficient manner. If the crew must stop a mower frequently to emptythe mower's grass bagger, the crew's efficiency and profitability maysuffer. Solving this problem with an excessively large grass bagger,however, may adversely affect the mower's maneuverability andperformance.

Landscape contractors often use stand-on or sulky mowers, which includean operator platform that is attached to (or, in case of a sulky, towedbehind) the mower. Agile stand-on mowers allow turf to be mowed in anefficient, relatively quick manner as compared to some walk-behind andconventional riding mowers.

However, stand-on mowers often lack a bagger and instead distribute thegrass clippings back to the ground surface (e.g., via side discharge ormulching modes). If a stand-on mower has any type of bagger, it istypically of relatively small capacity. Moreover, some stand-on mowergrass catchers are mounted in a way that is unwieldy and/or difficult touse.

One bagger option for a stand-on mower is a bagger assembly located onthe front of the mower frame, e.g., above the cutting deck. However,this type of design may impede the operator's view of the area to bemowed. In addition, a front bagger design may generate dust in thevicinity of the operator. Such front-mounted baggers may also altermower dynamics as the bagger fills.

Riding mowers may include rear-mounted baggers that extend transverselyacross the width of the mower, generally behind the operator's seat.However, a rear-mounted bagger on a stand-on mower could bedisadvantageous in that it increases the machine's footprint (somethingthat stand-on mowers seek to minimize) and may surround the operator onthree sides: the mower's control tower in front of the operator; a ductor conduit extending along one side of the operator; and therear-mounted bagger behind the operator.

SUMMARY

Embodiments described herein may provide a grass catcher or bagger withone or more grass collecting bags beneath a hood. The bagger apparatusmay be mounted on the mower's side, rather than on the mower's front orrear. After the bags fill with grass clippings, the operator removes thebags from beneath the hood for emptying. The operator may dump theclippings into a truck bed or trailer, and then reinstall the empty bagsbeneath the hood to catch and collect more grass clippings. In analternative embodiment, the bagger dumps the clippings onto the ground,street, or parking lot for later retrieval by a commercial vacuum or thelike.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a receptacle or bagger foruse with an outdoor power equipment machine such as a mower. The baggerapparatus or grass catcher may have: one or more bags that are removablymounted on the machine's frame for collecting grass clippings, leavesand the like; a hood that covers the bags and that is easily moveablebetween open and closed positions; and an impeller assembly and duct formoving clippings from the cutting deck to the bagger. One embodimentallows the operator to remove full bags of clippings and replace emptybags onto the bagger apparatus. Another embodiment allows clippings tobe dumped onto the ground at an appropriate location.

In still another embodiment, the bagger is mountable to a tractionframe, which may be a utility vehicle, mower, tractor, or the like. Thebagger apparatus may comprise: a mounting frame assembly that fixedlyconnects the bagger to a side of the traction frame; one or moreflexible bags beneath a hood, wherein each bag is sized and configuredto collect clippings; and a pivot frame that attaches the hood to thetraction frame. With this design, the bagger is mounted to one (e.g.,right) side of the traction frame, and the pivot frame allows movementof the hood between a closed position and an open position. Anotherembodiment of the inventive bagger comprises: a hopper that is connectedto a cutting deck of a mower, wherein one wall of the hopper forms aplanar discharge door, the door being rotatable such that the plane ofthe door in the open position is about 90 degrees from the plane of thedoor in the closed position.

When embodiments of the bagger are mounted to a stand-on mower, thebagger is preferably positioned on one side of the mower and operatorplatform. The relatively lightweight bagger assembly does not interferewith the mower's normal operation, and may not obstruct the operator'sforward view. As such, the bagger facilitates mowing in close areas,under low-hanging shrubbery, around tight turns, and along sidewalks,paths, curbs, trees and edging. Moreover, the bagger's weightdistribution contributes to a well-balanced machine.

Baggers in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure mayutilize a compact footprint that facilitates storage of the machine inthe operator's garage, warehouse, or shop, and facilitates transport ofthe machine on trailers or trucks. Since storage and transportationexpenses can be high, the compact size may result in cost savings forthe owner.

Despite its compact size, the inventive bagger is sized and configuredto collect a relatively large volume of clippings. As a result, theoperator can complete the mowing process in an efficient manner becausethe operator may empty the bagger less frequently.

The operator may save time due to several bagger features, including themounting frame assembly that removably attaches the bagger to the moweror traction frame. The bagger can be quickly and easily removed andlater re-attached. In addition, an attachment mechanism may be includedthat releasably couples one end of a duct to an inlet on the bagger'shood, such that the duct transports the cutting deck's grass clippingsto the bagger. The hood's releasable attachment mechanism may notrequire the use of any tools, and the duct may remain attached to thehood even as the hood pivots between open and closed positions. Also,embodiments of the inventive bagger include a unique pivotal springmechanism for easily opening and closing the bagger's hood. Anotherembodiment of the bagger includes an effective mechanism for positioninga discharge door to permit the clippings to descend by gravity whenemptying.

These and other advantages of the present disclosure will become readilyapparent upon further review of the specification and drawings. Theabove summary is not intended to describe each embodiment or everyimplementation. Rather, a more complete understanding of illustrativeembodiments will become apparent and appreciated by reference to thefollowing Detailed Description and claims in view of the accompanyingfigures of the drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described hereafter in theDetailed Description, taken in conjunction with the following drawings,in which like reference numbers refer to like elements or partsthroughout.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a utility vehicle (e.g., stand-on mower)with an attached bagger apparatus in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure, viewed from the front, right corner of the mower.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mower and bagger apparatus of FIG. 1viewed from the front left corner.

FIG. 3 is a right side elevational view of the mower and baggerapparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the mower and bagger apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the mower and bagger apparatus ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a partial side elevational view of a mounting frame assemblyfor a bagger apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure, as mounted on the right side of a mower.

FIG. 7 is a partial exploded, perspective view of the bagger apparatusof FIG. 1 showing exemplary components.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of an exemplary bagger apparatus witha hood of the apparatus shown in an open position.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 8, but with the hoodshown in a closed position.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged side elevational view of an exemplary pivot frameconnecting the hood with the remaining bagger apparatus, with the hoodshown in the closed position, and viewed from the opposite side as FIG.9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment for a baggerapparatus for use with a stand-on mower.

FIG. 12 is a right side elevational view of the mower and bagger shownin FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the mower and bagger apparatus shown inFIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a rear elevational view of the mower and bagger apparatusshown in FIGS. 11-13.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of the bagger apparatus shownin FIGS. 11-14.

FIG. 16 is an exploded, perspective view of the mower and baggerapparatus shown in FIGS. 11-15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments,reference is made to the accompanying figures of the drawing which forma part hereof. It is to be understood that other embodiments, which maynot be described and/or illustrated herein, are certainly contemplated.Moreover, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities,and all terms expressing direction/orientation (e.g., vertical,horizontal, parallel, perpendicular, etc.) in the specification andclaims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by theterm “about.”

The figures are rendered primarily for clarity and, as a result, are notnecessarily drawn to scale. Moreover, various structure/components,including but not limited to fasteners, electrical components (wiring,cables, etc.), and the like, may be shown diagrammatically or removedfrom some or all of the views to better illustrate aspects of thedepicted embodiments, or where inclusion of such structure/components isnot necessary to an understanding of the various exemplary embodimentsdescribed herein. The lack of illustration/description of suchstructure/components in a particular figure is, however, not to beinterpreted as limiting the scope of the various embodiments in any way.

It is noted that the terms “comprises” and variations thereof do nothave a limiting meaning where these terms appear in the accompanyingdescription and claims. Further, “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and“one or more” are used interchangeably herein. Moreover, relative termssuch as “left,” “right,” “front,” “fore,” “forward,” “rear,” “aft,”“rearward,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,”“horizontal,” “vertical,” and the like may be used herein and, if so,are from the perspective of one operating the mower.

Referring now to the figures, a bagger apparatus for use with a stand-onutility vehicle such as a lawn mower in accordance with embodiments ofthe present disclosure is shown by way of example only.

A first embodiment of the inventive grass bagger apparatus isillustrated as 12 in the FIGS. 1-10. The bagger apparatus or “bagger” 12is installed on a power unit or mower 2, which has a traction frame 4adapted for movement across a ground surface 3 to be mowed. As shown inthe figures, the mower may be a ride-on vehicle accommodating a standingoperator (i.e., a stand-on mower). However, such a configuration is notlimiting as other embodiments may be adapted for use with other ridingor walk-behind vehicles.

One or more grass collecting receptacles (e.g., bags 18, 35) may beattached to a mounting frame assembly 57 (see FIG. 6) of the bagger 12.In the illustrated embodiment, the bags 18, 35 are positioned under aselectively movable hood 14. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a stand-on mower 2having two bags: a front bag 18 and a rear bag 35. Preferably, thebagger 12 directs grass clippings directly into the bags 18, 35. In oneembodiment, each bag 18, 35 may contain a flexible liner or yard wastebag (not shown). Each bag 18, 35 may also include four walls constructedfrom a flexible fabric material, such as nylon, or nylon-cotton blend.Each bag or receptacle 18, 35 may thus include a front and back wall,and an interior and exterior side wall. In a preferred embodiment, theinterior wall 92 (see FIG. 5) of each bag 18, 35 is made of a strong,flexible fabric such as Cordura®, which is a brand name for fabrics usedin products such as luggage, backpacks, military wear etc. Each bag 18,35 has a bottom portion or pan 65 that is formed from a relatively rigidand waterproof material. In one embodiment, bagger 12 has a totalcapacity for clippings of 5-8 bushels, e.g., 6 bushels. In oneembodiment, the bagger 12 weighs about 160 pounds and is capable ofcontaining about 180 pounds of grass clippings, dry leaves, and otherlawn debris.

The portable power unit 2 is referred to herein as a “mower” for thepurpose of simplicity, but the unit 2 may serve many types of functionsbesides cutting grass. Instead of a cutting deck 6, unit 2 may support awide variety of attachments having a variety of purposes, such asmulching leaves, plowing snow, vacuuming leaves, removing debris,sweeping dirt, and other purposes. Attachments for accomplishing thesefunctions would include mulchers, snow blowers, vacuums, sweepers,brooms, sprayers, blades, buckets, forks, brushes, and chippers. Suchattachments may be mounted on various locations on the unit 2. Thebagger 12 may be used to collect the output from these different typesof attachments. Such output from a mower or other device is referred toas “clippings” herein. The term “clippings” and “grass clippings” mayrefer to debris containing one or more of grass, leaves, debris, dust,etc.

In the illustrated embodiment, wherein the power unit is configured as amower 2, the cutting deck 6 is mounted near a front or middle of thetraction frame 4, wherein the mower/traction frame include a front end(or portion), rear end (or portion) spaced-apart or otherwise offsetfrom the front end along a longitudinal axis 11 (see FIG. 4) of themower/traction frame, and two opposite (e.g., left and right) sides orside portions. While the construction may vary, the traction frame 4 maybe made of tubular steel members and support several standard componentsregardless of the type of attachment supported by the traction frame.These standard components typically include a prime mover such as anelectric motor or internal combustion engine 70, fuel tank 71, muffler72, and hydraulics (not shown). As shown in FIG. 2, the traction frame 4may also include an engine guard having a vertical portion 73 and ahorizontal portion 74.

The traction frame 4 may also support a control tower 63 extendingvertically upward from the traction frame. Behind the control tower 63is a standing operator platform 8 upon which the operator may standwhile mowing or performing other operations. The platform 8 may includea suspension system (not shown) to improve operator comfort. In theillustrated embodiment, the platform 8 is positioned near the rear ofthe traction frame 4 (e.g., at or aft of a rotational axis of the rearwheels), generally behind the cutting deck 6. The platform 8 ispreferably hinged to be moveable between a folded, vertical position(not shown) and a horizontal position (shown in FIG. 2). The verticalposition may be used when the operator walks behind the machine 4 duringits operation. i.e., when the operator converts the machine to awalk-behind configuration. Although baggers in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure are primarily described withrespect to a stand-on mower, those of skill in the art will recognizethat embodiments of the present disclosure may accommodate attachment towalk-behind and ride-behind (e.g., sulky) vehicles without departingfrom the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, baggers like thosedescribed herein could be adapted to a conventional (e.g., sit-on)riding mower in which the operator is seated at an appropriate positionalong the traction frame 4.

The cutting deck 6 houses one or more rotary blades (not shown), and thewidth of the cutting deck may be configured for the operator's desiredwidth. For example, a deck having a cutting width of 48 inches, 52inches, 60 inches, or 72 inches may be carried by the mower 2. As isknown in the art, the blades may rotate in a generally horizontal planeto cut grass and thereby create grass clippings, and/or to mulch grassand other lawn debris (e.g., leaves) into small pieces for deposit backto the ground surface. The height of the cutting deck 6 can be adjustedup or down by means of a linkage system (not shown).

A control panel 10 may also be included, e.g., near the top of thecontrol tower 63, and provide various controls that allow the operatorto operate the mower 2. The controls 10 may include reference bars 31,37, which limit forward and reverse movement of left and right steeringcontrol levers 13. As a safety precaution, the controls 10 also includean operator presence control (OPC) bar 75, which may be incorporatedinto one or more of the control levers 13. As is known in the art, theOPC bar 75 must be engaged in order for the mower 2 to operate.

The mower 2 may also include a baffle (not shown) associated with thecutting deck that controls the extent to which the cuttings aremulched/discharged. The baffle may include a movable plate that adjuststhe size of the discharge outlet (not shown) of the cutting deck 6. Inthe illustrated embodiment, a cover is provided above the cutting deckthat includes a slot 93 accommodating a protruding fastener 94 (see FIG.1). The fastener 94 is moveable within the slot 93 so as to provideadjustability of the effective size of the discharge outlet/baffle.

Rather than positioning the fastener 94 on or near the cutting deck 6, aremote baffle control lever may be provided, e.g., on the control panel10 that allows the operator to adjust the degree to which the clippingsare mulched or bagged. The latter design would allow the mulchingadjustment to be accomplished while the mower 2 is being operated. Whilevariations are certainly possible, the operator could adjust the bafflecontrol lever to: select all clippings to be bagged; select all of theclippings be recycled back to the turf (mulching); or select somesetting between these two settings. Of course, the actual degree towhich cuttings are bagged and mulched may depend upon other factors,e.g., the condition and moisture content of the turf, the weather, thelength and type of grass, the preference of the turf owner, etc. Incertain areas of the turf, it may be desirable to collect and bag agreater percentage of clippings, whereas other areas of the turf maybenefit from a greater degree of mulching.

If the baffle opening is rather large, then a greater percentage ofclippings will be directed to the bagger 12. If the baffle opening isrelatively small, then the baffle will force a greater percentage ofclippings to be mulched/recycled, i.e., shredded to smaller pieces anddropped onto the ground. Once again, baffle adjustment can be done withtools from above (or underneath) the cutting deck 6, or from a controlprovided, for example, at the control panel 10.

The traction frame 4 may be supported for rolling engagement with theground surface by left and right front caster wheels 32, 33 and left andright rear traction wheels 76, 77. In the illustrated embodiment, therear traction wheels or drive wheels 76, 77 are powered by the engine 70and rotate about a common rotational axis (see, e.g., axis 19 of FIG.4), whereas the front caster wheels 32, 33 are non-powered and areadapted to swivel about a vertical axis under the influence of the drivewheels and the topology of the turf surface.

In the illustrated embodiment, the operator platform 8 is positionedlongitudinally behind and transversely between the traction wheels 76,77. With this design, the operator's weight counteracts, to some degree,the weight of the engine 70 and mower deck 6. In one embodiment, theplatform 8 may be located above and centered along the transverserotational axis 19 of the traction wheels 76, 77 (see FIG. 4). Whileillustrated with some degree of specificity, those of skill willunderstand that other drive and steering arrangements are certainlypossible. For instance, the traction frame 4 may be supported by more orfewer wheels (e.g., a tri-wheel configuration). Also, the front wheel(s)may, in additionally, or alternatively, be driven. Moreover, the frontwheels could be actively steered (as opposed to passively cantering)and/or the rear wheels could be steerable. As a result, the specificconfiguration of the mower 2 may vary without departing from the scopeof this disclosure.

With this introduction, various embodiments of the bagger 12 are nowdescribed. Once again, while described and illustrated with some degreeof specificity, it is to be understood that the described/illustratedembodiments are exemplary only and other configurations are certainlypossible.

In one embodiment, the bagger 12 is positioned on the right side of thetraction frame 4, as viewed from the operator's perspective. In such aconfiguration, the left side of the mower 2 may function as the mower'strim edge, i.e., the side of the mower 2 that moves along various areassuch as the edge of a building, sidewalk, tree, landscaping edging, etc.Accordingly, the operator maintains a clear view of the trim edge, andthe bagger is sized and configured such that trimming is accomplishedeffectively along the left side of the mower 2.

In one embodiment, the bagger 12 is located proximate the control tower63 and operator platform 8 on the right side of the traction frame 4.The bagger 12 may be rigidly fixed to a mounting frame assembly 57 (seeFIG. 6) that is attached to the traction frame 4 (e.g., to one sideportion of the frame such as the control tower 63) such that it ispartially located outboard of one of the rear drive wheels 76, 77. Inone embodiment, the distance between the ground and a top wall orsurface 82 of the hood 14 is approximately four feet. The height of thebagger 12 is relatively low to increase stability and visibility, whileat the same time being high enough to provide bags 18, 35 with asufficiently high capacity.

An upper end of the bagger 12 may be defined by the hood 14. The hood 14is, in one embodiment, made of a rigid, durable material. As shown inFIGS. 1-4, hood 14 has a front surface 80, a rear surface 81, the topsurface 82, and inner and outer longitudinal walls 83. The top wall 82of the hood 14 has a generally rectangular shape with a longitudinalaxis of the hood being generally parallel to a path of travel of themower 2 (when traveling straight-ahead). With this design, the center ofgravity of the bagger 12 is at a longitudinal location that isproximate, e.g., in-line with, the axis 19 (see FIG. 4) of the of therear traction wheels 76, 77.

As shown in FIG. 3, the bagger 12 may be positioned behind the cuttingdeck 6 and to the side of the operator platform 8. The bagger 12 ispositioned relatively far forward to contribute to desirable weightdistribution of the mower 2, but is also located to reduce possibleinterference with the cutting deck 6.

The walls 80, 81, 82 and 83 may form a channel inside the hood 14. Theunderside of the top wall 82 and side wall 83 may include a perforatedplate (not shown) to permit air to escape from the hood 14. Theperforations are sized small enough to prevent grass clippings fromescaping through the hood 14.

The front wall 80 of the hood 14 contains a port or grass bagger inlet 7which allows the clippings to enter the channel at the top of the hood14 and fall into the front and rear collecting bags 18, 35. Fromtime-to-time during mower operation, the operator opens the hood 14,removes the collecting bags 18, 35 from beneath the hood 14, and dumpsthe collected grass clippings. The operator may then replace the emptybags 18, 35 beneath hood 14 and continue mower operation.

The bagger 12 may also include an impeller assembly 20, located, forexample, near the front, right corner of the traction frame 4, e.g.,near the discharge outlet of the deck 6. In one embodiment, the impellerassembly 20 has a generally vertical orientation (that is, the impellerrotates about a horizontal transverse axis). The impeller assembly 20may be surrounded by a housing, and the housing is preferably mounted ona vertical support member or peg (not shown).

The impeller assembly 20 may include an impeller having centrifugal,radial blades (not shown) that have a generally vertical orientation. Abelt and pulley assembly drives and controls rotation of the impeller.This bagger 12 design maintains the position of the mower blade belts sothat the belts need not be removed when the impeller assembly is removedfrom the traction frame 4. After the operator removes a single impellerdrive belt, the impeller assembly 20 is rotated outwardly and thenlifted off of the vertical support member (not shown) of the tractionframe 4 (or alternatively, the cutting deck 6). A latch may be providedto permit rotation of the impeller assembly 20 about the peg when theimpeller assembly 20 is removed or attached, along with the othercomponents of the bagger 12. Depending on the width of the cutting deck6, the impeller may utilize different pulleys, mounting plates (notshown), etc.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the traction frame 4 may also support one ormore counterweights 64, which may be positioned on the front left cornerof the traction frame when the bagger 12 is installed. The counterweight64, which is constructed of cast steel or another suitable material,partially offsets the weight of the bagger 12 and impeller assembly 20on the mower 2.

An elongated conduit or duct 17 may connect the cutting deck 6 to theinlet 7 of the bagger hood 14. The impeller assembly 20 may assist inpropelling the grass clippings through the duct 17. The front end 16 ofthe duct 17 attaches to the outlet of the impeller assembly 20 in anysuitable way, e.g., by using a hose clamp to tighten the front end 16 ofduct 17 to the outlet of the impeller assembly 20.

As the clippings approach the impeller assembly 20, they will beinfluenced by a deflector member (not shown) inside the impellerassembly such that the clippings are guided into and through the duct17. The impeller of the impeller assembly 20, which again may rotateabout a horizontal transverse axis, may permit a duct 17 of shorterlength than a vertical axis impeller, thus permitting a decreaseddischarge distance from the impeller assembly 20 to the inlet 7 of thebagger 12. That is, the impeller blades of the impeller assembly 20 mayfunction as a flow director that redirect the grass clippings' path oftravel essentially 90 degrees, i.e., from a direction generallyhorizontal and transverse to the traction frame 4, to a directiongenerally vertical and rearward as it travels upward and through theduct 17.

The discharge duct 17 carries the clippings from the cutting deck 6 tothe inlet 7 of the bagger hood 14, which may in some embodiments becylindrical in shape to receive the cylindrical duct. In one embodiment,the duct 17 is made from a material such as Grass Vac™ hose sold byGoodyear Tire and Rubber Company of Akron, Ohio, USA for lawn, leaf,mulch and yard waste collection applications. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, theduct 17 has a gradual, long radius bend, and the majority of the duct 17is made of a relatively flexible material. As shown in FIG. 4, the inlet7 is located at or near a midpoint of the front wall 80 of the hood 14.

A rear end 21 of the duct 17 includes a flexible portion 56 having ahelical rib 30 (see FIG. 2) on the exterior surface of the duct 17(while not shown in the figures, the rib may, in some embodiments,extend along most or all of the duct 17 length). The rear end 21 of duct17 is attached to the inlet 7 as shown. The inlet 7 is sized andconfigured such that the inlet 7 can tightly receive the outer diameterof the flexible portion 56.

The inlet 7 comprises a short tube or pipe that is recessed behind thefront wall 80 of the hood 14. The inlet 7 may include a helical thread36 that threadably mates with the rib 30 on the duct 17, as shown inFIG. 7. In this embodiment, the inlet 7 is attachable to the rear end 21of the duct 17 in such a way that the operator need not use anyfasteners, such as a screwdriver, to attach and detach the duct 17 fromthe inlet 7.

Alternatively, the inlet 7 could comprise a pipe or tube that sticksoutside of the front wall 80 of the hood 14, with the rear end 21 of theduct 17 being slid onto the tube. A hose clamp (not shown) or similardevice adapted for releasably coupling the rear end 21 of the duct 17 tothe inlet 7 may alternatively be provided. Such a clamp may have atightening screw that may be tightened by the operator once attached.

Debris plugging may sometimes occur during operation of the bagger 12,e.g., when the bags 18, 35 and hood 14 become excessively full ofclippings. If a grass plug develops, the operator can easily disconnectthe duct 17 from the bagger 12 merely by rotating the rear end 21 of theduct counter-clockwise relative to the inlet 7, thereby breaking theattachment between the two. Once the grass plug is cleared, theattachment can be reestablished by rotating the rear end 21 of the duct17 clockwise back into the inlet 7.

An optional feature of the bagger 12 is a fill indicator 62 (see FIGS.4-5), which may, in one embodiment, be mounted on the top surface 82 ofthe hood 14. The indicator may form a visible, rotatable signal diskconnected to an upper end of a journaled shaft protruding above the topwall 82. A lower end of the shaft is connected to a radial horizontalfan, which is located below the top wall 82 of the hood 14. In oneembodiment, air movement through the system causes the fan to rotate asthe bags 18, 35 fill with clippings. The fan may, in one embodiment, beapproximately six inches in diameter and include a plurality of fanblades.

During mower operation, the rear bag 35 typically fills first, afterwhich the front bag 18 fills with clippings. The fill indicator 62 mayhave a flat, circular shape and the upper surface of the indicator 62may have a distinctive design or color scheme positioned in theoperator's sight line from the operator platform 8. When the bag 18 isfull of clippings, the reduced airflow causes the fan to slow or stoprotating, which correspondingly causes the fill indicator 62 to stopspinning. Because the indicator 62 is positioned relatively close to theoperator, the operator may have a clear view of the indicator and thusobserve when the indicator 62 stops rotating. A stationary indicator 62signals to the operator a level of clippings in the bags 18,35, e.g.,that the bagger 12 is full of clippings and ready to be emptied. As aresult, the fill indicator 62 may decrease the likelihood of a grassplug forming in the bagger 12.

When the hood 14 is opened or otherwise moved to the open position shownin FIG. 8, the operator may remove the bags 18, 35. In the illustratedembodiment, the hood may rotate up to an open position as shown in FIG.8, wherein the hood's longitudinal axis remains generally in the samevertical plane as it occupied when the hood was in a closed position(shown in FIG. 9).

A latch (not shown) on the rear wall 81 of the hood 14 may be providedto secure the hood 14 in the closed position (again, see FIG. 9) toprevent inadvertent movement or bouncing of the hood 14 relative to thebags 18, 35 as the traction frame 4 travels over the ground surface. Thelatch is movable between an engaged position, in which the latch latchesthe hood in the closed position, and a disengaged position, in which thelatch is released to allow the hood to move to the open position.

As shown in FIGS. 5-10, the bagger 12 also includes a bagger mountingframe assembly 57 (supporting the bags 18, 35) that may be releasablyattached to the traction frame 4, e.g., to the control tower 63 and/orother portion of the frame 4. In some embodiments, the mounting frameassembly 57 may removably attach to brackets or mounts that are in turnattached (e.g., permanently) to the traction frame 4. In someembodiments, the traction frame may receive these brackets withoutrequiring alteration.

In the illustrated embodiments, the mounting frame assembly 57 mayinclude a substantially horizontal and longitudinally oriented beam 34as illustrated in FIGS. 6-7. The frame assembly 57 may attach to thetraction frame 4 via various mounts or brackets as described above. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 7, a lower front bracket or mount 38 may beattached to the traction frame 4 (e.g., using four fasteners passingthrough bolt holes 43, 44, 45, and 46. The lower front mount 38 maysupport a lower front mounting pin 50 that passes through (or isintegral with) the mount 38 and also through the mounting frame assembly57 as shown in FIG. 7 to support a forward or front end or portion ofthe frame assembly 57. The mounting frame assembly 57 may then besecured relative to the lower front mount 38 (to the pin 50) with acotter pin 51.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show rear and side views, respectively, of the exemplarymounting frame assembly 57 including the beam 34. As shown in FIG. 7,the frame assembly 57 may further include a lower rear bracket or mount54 (e.g., which may be secured to the traction frame 4 with threefasteners or bolts) to support a rear end of the beam 34 (via a strut59). The lower rear mount 54 may support the frame assembly 57 via alower rear mounting pin 52. The lower rear mount 54 and mounting pin 52may, in some embodiments, be located behind the rear traction wheels 76,77 (e.g., behind the rear wheel axis of rotation 19 (see FIG. 4)) as isevident in FIG. 6. A cotter pin 53 may be used to secure the frameassembly 57 to the pin 52.

For clarity, and to show the bagger mounting frame assembly 57 moreclearly, FIG. 6 excludes the hood 14, bags 18, 35, the right drive wheel77, a bag guard assembly 91, and related structure.

In the illustrated embodiments, the frame assembly 57 may also attach tothe traction frame 4 via an upper front bracket or mount 39, and anupper rear bracket or mount 40. The upper front mount 39 may utilize apin and cotter as already describe herein, or could alternatively use abolt and nut 29 as shown in FIG. 7.

The upper rear mount 40 may be mounted to the control tower 63 with twobolts (not shown) via bolt holes 41, 42. The upper rear mount 40 maysupport an upper rear mounting pin 47. Once the frame assembly 57 ismounted onto the pin 47, the frame assembly 57 may be secured relativethereto using a washer 48 and cotter pin 49. The mounting pins 50, 52,and 47 may line up with suitable apertures and mounting hardware topermit ease of attachment of the frame assembly 57.

FIG. 6 shows the lower rear mount 54 pinned to the rear strut 59. Thebagger mounting frame 57 may also include a forward strut 60 to whichthe lower front mounting pin 50 is received (see also FIG. 7).

To support the hood 14 in pivotal relation to the mounting frameassembly 57, the assembly 57 may include a pivot frame or arm 87 adaptedto pivot about a journal 55 forming a pivot 88. The journal 55 may besupported on a rail 25 that protrudes from the beam 34 as shown in FIG.7. Pivoting of the hood 14 between the open and closed positions isdescribed in more detail below.

The mounting frame assembly 57 further includes the bag guard assembly91 (see, e.g., FIG. 5). The assembly 91 is a generally rectangular platethat is positioned vertically above the traction wheel 77 and assists inpreventing portions of the bags 18, 35 from contacting or interferingwith the traction wheel 77.

If the operator does not wish to use the bagger 12, he/she may removethe bagger 12 from the traction frame 4. Removal of the bagger 12 fromthe traction frame 4 generally converts the mower 2 into a sidedischarge (or mulching) configuration.

In the illustrated embodiments, the operator may, when bagging is nolonger desired, remove the bags 18, 35 and the mounting frame assembly57 from the mower 2. The blower 20 may also be removed and replaced witha discharge chute (not shown) if desired. Grass clippings may then beejected from the right side of the mower cutting deck 6. As describedabove, a baffle may be used to choose what percentage of clippings areejected and what may be recycled/mulched.

To remove the bagger 12, the operator may stop and secure the mower 2(e.g., stop the engine). The operator may then remove the bagger 12 fromthe traction frame 4, by removing the appropriate fasteners, which inthe illustrated embodiments, include removal of the three cotter pins49, 51, and 53 from the pins 47, 50, and 52, respectively. The bolt/nut29 may also be removed from the front upper mount 29 as shown in FIG. 7.

The bagger 12 is designed to permit the operator to convert the mower 2from a bagging configuration, in which the bagger apparatus is installedand operative, to a side discharge/mulching configuration, in which thebagger is removed from the traction frame 4. To accomplish thisconversion, the operator may, in one embodiment, execute the followingprocedure: (1) separate (e.g., unlatch or unscrew) the front end of theduct 17 from the deck impeller outlet; (2) remove the duct 17 (e.g., byrotating the rear end 21 of the duct 17 counter-clockwise out ofengagement with the hood adapter 7); (3) lower the cutting deck 6 to thelowest height-of-cut position; (4) unlatch the belt cover over the mowerpully assembly; (5) remove the blower belt from the mower pullyassembly; (6) open the blower assembly and remove it from the pivothole; (7) disengage and remove the mounting frame assembly 57 and itsattached bagger components; and (8) attach side discharge chute and anynecessary deflectors, covers or guides to the outlet of the cutting deck6.

The seventh of the above steps, the removal of the bagger mounting frameassembly 57 from the traction frame 4, may involve the followingsub-steps: (1) disengage the cotter pin 49 from the mounting pin 47; (2)disengage the cotter pin 51 from the mounting pin 50; (3) disengage thecotter pin 53 from the mounting pin 52; and (4) disengage bolt/nut 29from the upper front mount 39.

In order to convert from a side discharge configuration back to a baggerconfiguration, the operator may, in one embodiment, reverse the abovesteps as indicated by the following procedure: (1) remove dischargedeflector or guard if installed on cutting deck outlet; (2) install thebagger mounting brackets 38, 39, 40, and 54 if not already in place; (3)position the bagger 12 (i.e., frame assembly 57) on its back; (4) slideframe assembly 57 to align rear strut 59 with lower mounting bracket 54and then pin into place using pin 52 and cotter pin 53; (5) rotate thebagger 12 up on the lower bagger mounting bracket; (6) align the holeson the bagger frame assembly with the holes on the other mountingbrackets; (7) install the pins and secure the frame assembly in placewith the cotter pin and fasteners (described above); (8) install theimpeller assembly 20 on the mower 2, and close the impeller assembly 20;(9) route the blower belt (not shown) into the impeller assembly 20;(10) install the flexible portion 56 of the duct 17 into the baggeropening 7, and confirm that the attachment forms a secure seal; (11)install the lower, front portion 16 of the duct 17 onto the outlet forthe impeller assembly and secure the attachment with a hose clamp oranother type of fastener arrangement; and (12) install any front weightsand caster weights, including all related fasteners.

With reference now to FIGS. 8-10, the hood 14 may be attached to thepivot frame 87 that is, in one embodiment, pivotally attached to therail 25 protruding from the beam 34.

The pivot frame 87 allows the hood 14 to move between the open position(shown in FIG. 8) and the closed position (shown in FIG. 9). The pivotframe 87 rotates about the pivot 88 as shown in FIGS. 8-9.

One advantage of embodiments of the present disclosure is that, when theoperator removes and replaces the bags 18, 35, he/she need notdisengage/remove and engage/reattach the duct 17 from the hood 14 of thebagger 12. This benefit is attributable to the flexibility andconfiguration of the duct 17. This feature may yield significant timesavings, especially during jobs that require frequent emptying of thebags 18, 35. Each bag 18, 35 may include a hook 58 that engages acorresponding pocket 69 (see FIG. 7) in the beam 34 to permitreattachment of the bags 18, 35 to the frame assembly 57.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the pivot frame 87, as viewed from theopposite side shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. As shown in this view, the pivotframe 87 may include a spring 27. The spring 27, which remains intension at all times, may assist in retaining the hood 14 (i.e., thepivot frame 87) in the open position as the upper spring anchor (seeFIG. 10) travels over center of the pivot 88 (hidden by spring 27 inFIG. 10). The spring 27 thus biases the hood either up or down (to theopen or closed position) depending on what side of center the spring ison (i.e., on what side of an axis of the pivot 88 the centerline of thespring resides). For example, when an angle of the hood 14 is about 30degrees from horizontal, the spring 27 may transition from biasing thehood upwardly to biasing the hood downwardly.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the hood and pivot frame 87 in the openposition and the closed position, respectively. The pivot frame 87 ispivotally connected to the rail 25 (see FIG. 10) such that it may pivotabout an axis of the pivot 88 between a lowered position (correspondingto the closed position of the hood 14 in which the hood 14 rests uponthe top edge of the bags 18, 35 as shown in FIG. 9), and a raisedposition (corresponding to the open position of the hood 14 in which thehood is rotated upwardly such that the operator can easily empty thebags 18, 35 as shown in FIG. 8). The rear wall 81 of the hood 14 mayinclude a handle 86 (see also FIGS. 4 and 5) to facilitate movement ofthe hood by the operator.

In the embodiments illustrated herein, the bagger 12 includes theremovable frame assembly 57 that attaches the bagger to the tractionframe 4. While described with some degree of specificity, thebagger/frame assembly could be configured in any suitable way, e.g.,with pins, bolts, brackets, or other types of fasteners that permit thedesired attachment/detachment functionality. Stated alternatively, theillustrative embodiments (see, e.g., FIG. 7) show only an exemplarymounting frame assembly 57 and bagger 12. Other embodiments arecertainly possible without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIGS. 11-16 illustrate alternative embodiments of a bagger apparatusaccording to the present disclosure. This alternative bagger 89 has ahopper or bin 90 to receive clippings generated by the mower cuttingdeck 6. Like the bagger 12, the bagger 89 may be mounted to a tractionframe 4 and mower 2 as already described herein with respect to theembodiments of FIGS. 1-10.

The bagger 89 may be configured to mount on a traction frame 4 thatcontains several standard components described above, such as the engine70. In addition, several bagger components may be similar or identicalto corresponding components in embodiments of FIGS. 1-10. For example,the bagger 89 of FIGS. 11-16 may including a hood 14, duct 17, impellerassembly 20, and fill indicator (not shown). The upper hood 14 is sizedand configured to cover the hopper 90 in an arrangement similar to thehood 14 of the bagger 12.

The hopper 90 may be formed by several walls, as well as an angleddischarge door 28. The hopper 90 includes not only the discharge door 28(which forms an exterior outboard wall of the hopper), but also frontand back walls 97 that are substantially vertical, and an interior sidewall 98 (see FIG. 15) proximate the traction frame 4. These walls 97,98, and 28 together define an interior chamber of the hopper. Each ofthe walls 97, 98 may include an upper vertical segment and an angledlower segment, the latter angling downwardly from the bottom of thevertical segment. This configuration may help direct cuttings toward thedischarge door 28.

The walls 97, 98 may be made of a solid material, and the discharge door28, which has an angled, bottom surface, may be constructed from aflexible webbed material.

When the hopper 90 is full of clippings, the operator lifts a handle toopen the door 28 to a position shown in FIG. 15. The discharge door 28may form a plane, and the difference between the angle of the door'splane in its open position (shown in FIG. 15) and the angle of thedoor's plane in its closed position (shown in FIG. 14) is approximately90 degrees.

After the clippings are dumped at the appropriate location and thehopper 90 is empty, the operator may close the door 28 to the positionshown in FIGS. 12 and 14. In one embodiment, a handle (not shown) mayprovide leverage to the operator when he/she rotates the discharge door28. With this design, the handle is lifted to open the door 28 and emptythe hopper 90.

As described above, the hopper 90 may include the discharge door 28 thatpivots between the open position (shown in FIG. 15) and the closedposition (shown in FIGS. 12 and 14). The discharge door also includes ahinge 95 that is proximate the lower portion of the hood 14 in oneembodiment.

As stated above, a handle may be provided to facilitate movement of thedischarge door 28. The handle may be removably mounted within a receiver96 on the bagger 89. When the bin 90 is full of clippings, the operatormay lift the handle (e.g., without exiting the platform), which releasesthe discharge door 28 and allows the clippings to exit downwardly. Theoperator may then remove the clippings with a commercial vacuum oranother device.

A mounting frame assembly 92 (see FIG. 16) for the bagger 89 is similarto the mounting frame assembly 57 described with respect to theembodiment of FIGS. 1-10. For example, both mounting frame assemblies57, 92 include a rear strut 59 that extends from a horizontal beam (see,e.g., 91 in FIG. 16) to a mount attached to the traction frame aft ofthe traction wheel 77 (see FIG. 12). A rigid mounting bracket may besecured to a lower portion of the hopper 90. The mounting frame 92 has abeam 91 that is similar to the beam 34 already discussed herein;however, the beam 91 has no pockets since the bagger 89 has no grass baghooks. The hopper 90 includes a framework 99 that is sized andconfigured for the hopper 90 and mounting frame 92.

In one embodiment, the hopper 90 has a capacity of six to seven bushels.As one may appreciate, the hopper 90 may provide various benefits,including, for example, ease with which clippings are dumped from thebagger. That is, unlike the bagger 12, the operator need not lift bagsup and out of the bagger 89.

The steps for attaching the bagger 89 to the control tower 63 areessentially the same as the attachment steps for the bagger 12 alreadydescribed above. However, the bagger 89 may not require hooks thatengage with pockets in the beam 34; rather, the bagger 89 may attach tothe frame with suitable brackets and pins.

The disclosure is not limited to the designs described in the detaileddescription or depicted in the drawings. Various modifications will beapparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the disclosure islimited only by the appended claims, and equivalents thereto. Moreover,it is understood that the claims are not limited to the illustrativeembodiments set forth herein.

1.-17. (canceled) 18.-20. (canceled)
 21. A ride-on lawn mowercomprising: a traction frame comprising a front end and a rear end, therear end spaced-apart from the front end along a longitudinal axis ofthe mower; rear wheels adapted to support a portion of the tractionframe upon a ground surface, wherein the rear wheels definerearward-most ground engaging members of the ride-on lawn mower; asupport platform attached to the traction frame and adapted to support astanding operator, wherein at least a portion of the platform islongitudinally located aft of a rotational axis of the rear wheels; anda bagger connected to the traction frame, the bagger comprising areceptacle adapted to receive lawn clippings, wherein at least a portionof the bagger is positioned to a side of the platform and aft of therotational axis of the rear wheels.
 22. The mower of claim 21, furthercomprising: a cutting deck attached to the traction frame; and a ductconnecting an outlet of the cutting deck to an inlet of the bagger. 23.The mower of claim 22, further comprising an impeller assembly fordirecting the lawn clippings from the cutting deck to the bagger. 24.The mower of claim 21, further comprising a control tower extendingupwardly from the traction frame at or near the rear end, wherein thecontrol tower extends upwardly to a first elevation above the groundsurface and wherein the bagger further comprises a hood that, when in aclosed position, forms a top wall of the bagger located at a secondelevation above the ground surface that is equal to or greater than thefirst elevation.
 25. The mower of claim 21, wherein the receptaclecomprises first and second receptacles, wherein at least one of thefirst and second receptacles is positioned aft of the rotational axis ofthe rear wheels.
 26. The mower of claim 21, wherein the receptacledefines a capacity of at least six bushels.
 27. The mower of claim 21,wherein the bagger further comprises: a mounting frame assembly thatconnects the bagger to the traction frame; and a pivot frame pivotallyconnecting a hood of the bagger to the mounting frame assembly, whereinthe pivot frame allows movement of the hood, relative to the tractionframe, between a closed position and an open position.
 28. The mower ofclaim 21, wherein the receptacle comprises a flexible bag.
 29. The mowerof claim 27, further comprising a biasing member adapted to bias thehood toward the open position and, alternatively, toward the closedposition.
 30. The mower of claim 27, further comprising a duct attachedto the hood, wherein at least a portion of the duct is flexible, suchthat the hood is movable between the open position and the closedposition without disengagement of the duct from the hood.
 31. The mowerof claim 21, wherein the bagger further comprises a fill indicatoradapted to indicate a level of clippings within the receptacle.
 32. Themower of claim 21, wherein the bagger defines a center of gravity thatis located at a longitudinal location proximate the rotational axis ofthe rear wheels.
 33. A ride-on lawn mower comprising: a traction framecomprising a front end and a rear end, the rear end spaced-apart fromthe front end along a longitudinal axis of the mower; a control towerextending upwardly from the traction frame at or near the rear end; rearwheels adapted to support a portion of the traction frame upon a groundsurface; a support platform attached to the traction frame and adaptedto support a standing operator, wherein at least a portion of theplatform is located at or aft of a rotational axis of the rear wheels;and a bagger connected to the traction frame, wherein at least a portionof the bagger is positioned to a side of the platform, and wherein thebagger defines a center of gravity longitudinally located proximate therotational axis of the rear wheels.
 34. The mower of claim 33, whereinthe bagger further comprises: a mounting frame assembly that connectsthe bagger to the traction frame; and one or more receptacles attachedto the mounting frame assembly and configured to receive lawn clippings,the receptacles located beneath a hood.
 35. The mower of claim 34,further comprising: a cutting deck attached to the traction frame; and aduct connecting an outlet of the cutting deck to the bagger, wherein theduct is connected to the hood and at least a portion of the duct isflexible such that the hood is movable between an open position and aclosed position without disengagement of the duct from the hood.
 36. Themower of claim 35, further comprising a biasing member operativelyconnected between the hood and the mounting frame assembly, the biasingmember adapted to bias the hood toward the open position and,alternatively, toward the closed position.
 37. The mower of claim 35,wherein the control tower extends upwardly to a first elevation abovethe ground surface and wherein the hood, when in the closed position,forms a top wall located at a second elevation above the ground surfacethat is equal to or greater than the first elevation.